Kanchenjunga (North and South Base Camp - 28 days)

Trip Highlights

Duration: 28 Days

Type of Trek: Camping

Max Altitude: 5280 m.

Minimum Pax: 1 +

Mode of travel: Land Transportation

Grade: Strenuous

Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp trek takes you
on an adventurous passage to the base of the third highest mountain peak in the
world, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m). Kanchenjunga is a huge massif located in the
far northeast part of Nepal
on the borders of Sikkim and
Tibet.

The highlights of the Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp trek are the
magnificent views of the snow capped mountain peaks, varied landscapes, from
the subtropical lowlands to the spectacular glacial plateaus, enchanting
forests of rhododendrons and abundance of wildlife that includes the famous
muck deer and blue sheep. The tranquil villages that dot the borders of Tibet and Sikkim lend a special flavor to the
trek.

The trail gradually ascends from 1200m (4,000ft) to 5180m (17,094ft) above
sea level. It is a purely camping trek.

Outline Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Price Info

Map

Gallery

Day 01-02: Drive from Kathmandu to Basantpur via
Dharan(428m.), Dhankuta(1158m.) and Hille (1822m.) by bus.

Day 03: Trek from
Basantpur to Chauki (2400m.) takes about six hours.

Day 04: Trek from
Chauki to Gupha Pokhari (2940m.) to Gurja Gaon(2145m.) takes about seven hours.

Day 05: Trek from
Gurja Goan to Dovan (730 m.) takes approximately five and half hours.

Day 06: Trek from
Dovan to Mitlung (921m.) takes approximately six hours.

Day 07: Trek from
Mitlung to Chirwa (1171m.) takes about seven hours.

Day 08: Trek from
Chirwa to Sekathum (1635m.) takes about six hours.

Day 09: Trek from
Sekathum to Amjilosa (2510m.) takes about five hours

Day 10: Trek from
Amjilosa to Gyable takes about seven hours.

Day 11: Trek from
Gyable to Ghunsa (3468m.) takes about six hours.

Day 12: Rest day at
Ghunsa for acclimatization.

Day 13: Trek from
Ghunsa to Kambachen (4124m.) takes about seven hours.

Day 14: Trek from
Kambachen to Lhonak (4780m.) takes about seven hours.

Day 15: Trek from
Lhonak to pangpema (5152m.) takes about four hours.

Day 16: Trek from
Pangpema to Kanchanjunga (North) Base Camp (5280m.) to Lhonak takes
approximately six hours.

Day 17: Trek from
Lhonak to Ghunsa takes about seven hours.

Day 18: Trek from
Ghunsa to Mirgin La (4583m.) takes about seven hours.

Day 19: Trek from
Mirgin La to Tseram (3725m.) takes about seven hours.

Day 20: Trek from
Tseram to Oktang (5225m.) takes about eight hours.

Day 21: Excursion
to Kanchanjunga Base Camp (South) takes about six hours.

Day 22: Trek from
Oktang to Tseram (3725m.) This takes approximately seven hours.

Day 23: Trek from
Tseram to Yamphudin (2090m.) takes about nine hours.

Day 24: Trek from
Yamphudin to Khebang (1740m.) takes about seven hours.

Day 25: Trek from
Khebang to Thorpu (1500m.) takes approximately nine hours.

Drive from Kathmandu to Basantpur via
Dharan (428m.), Dhankuta (1158m.) and Hille (1822m.) by bus. Takes approximately
18 hours. You camp for the night.

Day 03: Trek from
Basantpur to Chauki (2400m.) takes about six hours.

Trek from
Basantpur to Chauki (2400m.) takes about six hours. The trail follows an uneven
path. And the path is covered by rhododendron forests. If the sky is clear, you
can enjoy panoramic views of Mount Makalu and Kanchenjunga Himal. On the way
you also see some small human settlements. You can also view villages at some
distance from your hiking point. Chauki is a small village with a few lodges
and Nepali tea shops. You camp for the night.

Day 04: Trek from
Chauki to Gupha Pokhari (2940m.) to Gurja Gaon(2145m.) takes about seven hours.

Trek from
Chauki to Gupha Pokhari (2940m.) to Gurja Gaon(2145m.) takes about seven hours. While trekking along this way, you pass through rhododendron forests. At one
point, you come across a pass situated at 3000 meters. There is a pond at the
Gupha Pokhari where prayer flags and Buddhist mani walls can be seen. On the
way from Gupha Pokhari to Gurja Gaon, you can see yaks and mountain sheep
grazing in the jungle. You will also observe some villages at a far distance.
Gurja Gaon is inhabited by Buddhist and Hindus. It is situated at a low
elevation. You camp for the night.

Day 05: Trek from
Gurja Goan to Dovan (730 m.) takes approximately five and half hours.

Trek from
Gurja Goan to Dovan (730 m.) takes approximately five and half hours. The trail
descends to Dovan and while en route you pass through jungle and villages. You
trek through terraces where crops such as wheat, maize, rice, millet and
potatoes are grown. Dovan is a village situated at a low elevation between two
streams. You camp for the night.

Day 06: Trek from
Dovan to Mitlung (921m.) takes approximately six hours.

Trek from
Dovan to Mitlung (921m.) takes approximately six hours. Crossing a suspension
bridge over Tamur River you follow quite a flat route. Your hike continues
along the bank of the Tamur Koshi through paddy fields. You frequently cross
through small jungles of cardamom plants and other natural vegetation. You can
see some small villages stretching at a far distance. The area is inhabited by
the Brahmin, Chhetri and Limbu communities. You camp for the night.

Day 07: Trek from
Mitlung to Chirwa (1171m.) takes about seven hours.

Trek from
Mitlung to Chirwa (1171m.) takes about seven hours. The path to follow is quite
narrow and passes through jungle mainly covered with cardamom plants and other
vegetation. You can also see small gardens of oranges on your way. You cross
through some small streams while trekking. Your trek leads through an
undulating path. Chirwa is a small town where you find small lodges and a
camping site with local shops. The local folks here are mainly engaged in
agricultural activities. You camp for the night.

Day 08: Trek from
Chirwa to Sekathum (1635m.) takes about six hours.

Trek from
Chirwa to Sekathum (1635m.) takes about six hours. Your trek passes through a
small jungle along the bank of a river. You find the plants of cardamom and
other different vegetation. You cross a small hanging bridge before you reach
Sekhathum. You spend the night in camp.

Day 09: Trek from
Sekathum to Amjilosa (2510m.) takes about five hours.

Trek from
Sekathum to Amjilosa (2510m.) takes about five hours. The first one and half-hours you trek along flat land. Your
trail then becomes a steep ascent up to Amjilasa. Amjilassa is a small village
with a few houses and yak herds and local shops where you can find minimal
supplies. You camp for the night.

Day 10:Trek from
Amjilosa to Gyable takes about seven hours.

Trek from
Amjilosa to Gyable takes about seven hours. The trail is quite flat in the
beginning and then gently ascends to Gyable passing through the jungle. Human
settlements are visible at Gyable. People living here follow the Buddhist
culture. You stay overnight in camp.

Day 11:Trek from
Gyable to Ghunsa (3468m.) takes about six hours.

Trek from
Gyable to Ghunsa (3468m.) takes about six hours. Your trail passes through a
dense green jungle. You can see Gunsa River down the trail. The trail passes
through a few human settlements and it is clearly visible that their life styles
and culture has been inherited from Tibet. You pass through terraced fields
where potatoes, wheat, barley and buck wheat are grown. You camp for the night.

Day 12:Rest day at
Ghunsa for acclimatization.

Rest day at
Ghunsa for acclimatization. This is a day to rest and acclimatize and do some
excursions in and around Ghunsa. Gunsa is rich with Tibetan and Buddhist
culture and is a relatively larger town inhabited by Tibetan people. The women
are mainly involved in the carpet weaving profession and almost all homes
engage in carpet weaving. Trekkers come across a few check points at Ghunsa.
There are also local shops where you can buy goods to take along with you to
the higher altitudes. You camp for the night.

Day 13:Trek from
Ghunsa to Kambachen (4124m.) takes about seven hours.

Trek from
Ghunsa to Kambachen (4124m.) takes about seven hours. The trail makes a gradual
ascent along the south bank of the Gunsa Khola, then crosses a boulder strewn
flood plain before crossing back to Rambuk Kharka on the north side of the
river. Once on the opposite side, the trail passes a waterfall then makes a
short, steep ascent to a very unstable slope. The trail drops to the single
locked hut at Lakep, and then traverses to Khambachen, a Tibetan settlement of
about a dozen houses at 4040m. You camp for the night.

Day 14:Trek from
Kambachen to Lhonak (4780m.) takes about seven hours.

Trek from
Kambachen to Lhonak (4780m.) takes about seven hours. The trail climbs
gradually through open rocky fields to Ramtang at 4240m, then across moraines
north-west of the Kanchenjunga Glacier. Lhonak, at 4790m, is near a dry lake
bed on an open, sandy plain; water is scarce here. There are no houses, but you
can camp among the large boulders to get out of the wind. Terrific mountain
views abound in all directions. Stay overnight in camp.

Day 15:Trek from
Lhonak to pangpema (5152m.) takes about four hours.

Trek from
Lhonak to pangpema (5152m.) takes about four hours. From Lhonak, the trail
ascends gradually across the plain, and then gets a bit steeper as it follows
the moraine. You follow the bottom of the valley to avoid the steeper section.
The views are dramatic, but you cannot see Kanchenjunga or Wedge Peak until you
are near Peng Pema. The spectacular main peak of Kanchenjunga, and a panorama
of other peaks that make up one of the largest mountain masses in the world,
tower over the single roofless hut at Pang Pema. You camp for the night.

Day 16:Trek from
Pangpema to Kanchanjunga (North) Base Camp (5280m.) to Lhonak takes
approximately six hours.

Trek from
Pangpema to Kanchanjunga (North) Base Camp (5280m.) to Lhonak takes
approximately six hours. Here you can enjoy the snowcapped mountains and the
Kanchenjunga glacier. During the middle of the day, the falling avalanches
totally captivate you. You camp for the night.

Day 17:Trek from
Lhonak to Ghunsa takes about seven hours.

Trek from
Lhonak to Ghunsa takes about seven hours. Now you trek along a descending path,
crossing the jungle along the Kambachen River. In some places you can see mani
walls and prayer flags hanging over the trees. Also at one point, you have to
cross a wooden bridge. You camp for the night.

Day 18:Trek from
Ghunsa to Mirgin La (4583m.) takes about seven hours.

Trek from
Ghunsa to Mirgin La (4583m.) takes about seven hours. By ascending, you pass
through a jungle. While trekking, you can also catch glimpses of the various
mountains along with again enjoying the mani walls and prayer flags which are hanging
over the trees. You can spot various animals like mountain goats and yaks
grazing over the green hills. You camp for the night.

Day 19:Trek from
Mirgin La to Tseram (3725m.) takes about seven hours.

Trek from
Mirgin La to Tseram (3725m.) takes about seven hours. You trek through almost
desert like areas and in some places you will cross a stony path. The path
ascends from Mirgin La to Tseram. On the path, you can see Lapsang La glacier,
Mirgin La glacier and snow-capped mountains. There are very few stone roof
houses at Tseram and also some yak huts. You stay overnight in camp.

Day 20:Trek from
Tseram to Oktang (5225m.) takes about eight hours.

Trek from
Tseram to Oktang (5225m.) takes about eight hours. Today you trek through
moraines. On the trail, you can see the Yalung glacier and Lapsang glacier. You
can also see mountain goats as you cross a desert like area. The view of
snow-covered mountains and Kanchenjunga is absolutely magnificent. You camp for
the night.

Day 21:Excursion
to Kanchanjunga Base Camp (South) takes about six hours.

Excursion
to Kanchanjunga Base Camp (South) takes about six hours. Trekkers have to walk
through moraines and a strenuous rocky path. Trekking this day is pretty
adventurous as you have to walk along and cross the Oktang glacier. The
panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and Mount Jannu will mesmerize you. Some parts
of this area touch the neighboring India. You camp for the night.

Day 22:Trek from
Oktang to Tseram (3725m.) This takes approximately seven hours.

Trek from
Oktang to Tseram (3725m.) This takes approximately seven hours. You trek
following a stream alongside the moraines of Yalung Glacier. The path is quite
loose and rocky. Mani walls and prayer flags will be seen hanging over the
trees. Along the way, you will see the difficult route of Lapsang La pass at a
distance. There are very few stone roof houses at Tseram and some yak huts.
Stay overnight in camp.

Day 23:Trek from
Tseram to Yamphudin (2090m.) takes about nine hours.

Trek from
Tseram to Yamphudin (2090m.) takes about nine hours. The first part of the trail
goes along the bank of the river Simbua Khola. You have to walk through a dense
jungle. On the way, you can see the effects of a landslide in some places. The
trail ascends to Lamite Bhanjyang and then descends to Yamphudin crossing a
small river. Yamphudin is a mixed community of Sherpas, Limbus, Rais and
Gurungs. Among the corn and rice fields of the village there is a school and
some shops with minimal supplies. Stay overnight in camp.

Day 24:Trek from
Yamphudin to Khebang (1740m.) takes about seven hours.

Trek from
Yamphudin to Khebang (1740m.) takes about seven hours. In the beginning, you
descend to cross the Omje Khola. Now you ascend through a jungle of cardamom
and orchid plants. You pass a small village where you can find different human
settlements, small thatched roof houses and local shops with minimal supplies.
From here, the trail ascends up to Khebang Danda and then you descend to
Khebang village. Khabang is a comparatively big village where the local people
follow the Hindu and Buddhism faiths. Stay overnight in camp.

Day 25:Trek from
Khebang to Thorpu (1500m.) takes approximately nine hours.

Trek from
Khebang to Thorpu (1500m.) takes approximately nine hours. The trail starts
descending to Jorepul and then begins to ascend. You also trek along the flat
and low land crossing paddy fields and thatched roof houses. There are many
villages on the way where you can buy things you may require from the shops in
these villages. Thorpu is a town where transportation facilities are available.
Stay overnight in camp.

Day 26:Trek from
Thorpu to Gopetar (2250m.) takes about six hours.

Trek from
Thorpu to Gopetar (2250m.) takes about six hours. You start off ascending
through small villages up to the last destination, Gopetar. It is a town with a
few small restaurants, teashops and some local bars. From here, you get on your
bus to reach Phidim and finally on to Ilam. Stay overnight in camp.

Rescue assistance (Should any emergency arise during your trek, we will provide prompt and professional rescue and medical services. For this, it would be better to have your own travel insurance that can cover helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost in case required.)

One farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on last day

Souvenir (t-shirt, mug, pen, bag, etc.)

All tax, VAT and company service charge

The price does not include:

Personal nature expenses

Drinks, beverages, hot shower, etc.

Travel insurance

Tips

Meals & hotel accommodation in Kathmandu

Note: There are different categories of Hotels in Kathmandu ranging from budget to 5 star hotels.We are happy to arrange your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per your interest and budget. Please inform us in advance about the type or category of hotel you would like to stay in.